London congestion charge rise may push people towards using public transport, says expert

LONDON'S congestion charge increases "will be a bitter pill to swallow" for road users according to experts with "confusion" around the price increase after the government pushed for workers to use their vehicles during the lockdown.

Congestion charge price rises “seems harsh” for commuters looking to return to work in a safe environment after many have suffered financial hardships, according to specialists. Experts at Motorway.co.uk say the charge is likely to encourage many ti use public transport such as the tube as motorists go against advice in a bid to save money.

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Alex Buttle, director of car selling experts Motorway.co.uk, said: “A 30 percent congestion charge hike will be a bitter pill to swallow for London car owners who travel into the city, many of whom will have been hit hard financially during lockdown.

"There will also be a degree of confusion around this price increase at a time when the government has urged people returning to work to try and avoid public transport.

“This hike is likely to encourage more people to use the tube and trains next week.

“There will inevitably be a financial cost for all of us after a prolonged lockdown, but hitting commuters in the pocket so early after restrictions are eased seems harsh, especially when the economy needs people to return to work."

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He added: “It is different to justify the weekend charge at all and in due course this will backfire on trying to get things back to normal in terms of encouraging Londoners back to retail, leisure, arts, and religious activities.”

The changes will also reduce journeys within the Congestion Charge zone by up to one third which TfL say will “significantly” reduce air pollution levels.

However, the introduction of the charge may be a way of putting off motorists from entering the capital to ensure traffic levels remain low.

Under new car free proposals, many of London's popular streets will become blocked off to motorists to encourage social distancing.

The increase is part of a temporary package of measures (Image: Getty)

Roads between London Bridge and Shoreditch, Old Street and Holborn and Euston and Waterloo could be limited to business and pedestrians only to boost safe travel.

Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge may be limited to walking and cycling only with pavements set to be temporarily widened.

The City of London has also announced plans to make its roads car free to encourage businesses to return staff in a safe and secure way.

However, experts said the added chargers could benefit the electric car market which could be set for a boost as Londoners desperately avoid the costs.

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Cars will be restricted from the City of London (Image: Getty)

Fully electric vehicles are exempt from paying any car tax or congestion charge bills which could see many more making the switch.

Experts at Motorway.co.uk says more electric cars on the road could be the “legacy” of higher congestion charges which will actually “benefit” the capital in the long run.

Alex Buttle said: ““The one positive that can be taken from this congestion charge hike, is that it may convince more London motorists to trade in their diesel and petrol vehicles models and make the leap to full-electric cars.

"[These cars] are exempt from charges, and as a double benefit, also qualify for ‘cleaner vehicle discounts’ into 2021 and beyond.